Risenation marks the unofficial start for my show season. It’s always the first taste of what the rest of the year might bring. This year was no different. Bag packed, snacks secured, I punched Mechelen, Belgium into Google Maps, fired up the car, and set off. Two and a half hours later, the Nekkerhal appeared like a giant half tube with holes in it. If you have ever been there you know what I mean.
Before I even think about taking the camera out, I make a few reconnaissance laps. This year, however, the organisers decided to funnel everyone through a vendor corridor at the entrance. Great for anyone selling stickers, detailing sprays, or T‑shirts you don’t need… but less great if you simply wanted to get on with the show. Still, minor grumble aside, the rest was brilliant. Familiar faces, new conversations, and cars that made you stop mid‑stride, this show had the full package.
One thing that stood out this year was the influx of VW Golfs. Among them, a white Mk3 in full “poverty spec” caught my attention: black bumpers, golden BBS wheels, and the sort of simplicity that somehow steals the spotlight. Another highlight was a BMW E30 four‑door I’d seen before, now rocking a set of BBS RS wheels. Last year it sat on OZ Futura wheels, but this new setup gave it a completely different presence.
Bagged Toyota Crown Majesta UZS186, owner: Bill Tullett
Liberty Walk Mazda RX7 FD, owner: Liberty Walk EU
Porsche 911 964 with a custom set of Rotiform ROC in 19″ with brushed aluminum faces.
VW Golf MK4 1.8 Turbo, owner: Dubtech Customs
Subaru Forester on tri-spoke Advans, owner: BTT LW GNS
VW Golf MK4 on 18″ Work Wheels VS KF, owner: Alex Fullers
BMW E30 on BBS RS, owner: Ryan
Wide Body Toyota Mark X, owner: M111_roo
Audi 100 typ 44 Avantsport, owner: Mazze Typ44
Rubystone Honda S2000, owner: Ethan Gardner
Bagged and boosted BMW 2002 turbo, owner; Jake
Brown VW golf Mk2, owner: Max Cailleton
‘Poverty Spec’ VW Golf Mk3, owner: Alex De Oliveira
Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Q4, owner: giuliaveloceq4
